Chapter 10: The Kiss of Death

His heart was beating furiously.

Beats of sweat started to come out and flow on his skin. Everything around him is spinning as he felt the throbbing pain in his head.

He was gasping for air.

Since the poison spreads inside his body, his throat has become dry and he was catching his breath. He can't even ask for help. No voice ever comes out of his mouth.

All he can do for now is to crawl slowly on the ground, praying that he'll make it through alive.

Seems like the heavens have heard his prayer despite being a half-monster. Even his vision has become blurry, he saw a pair of legs standing before him. With weak and trembling hands, he reached for that person.

'Help... me...' He wanted to say but failed to do so.

He was slowly losing consciousness as well. He wasn't able to see that person's face. But all he knows, the stranger calls his name before he closed his eyes.

"Rae... RAE!!!"

***

The day has never been busier since the festival came. It's a week-long celebration welcoming guests from different days and to give the students some study break, through their participation in club booths and games. As for the SSG, they've been assigned to manage a mini-café. Since it has been voted by the majority on their last meeting with the student presidents, it's a task that should be done until the last day.

"Mr. Rae, everything's ready." One of the students informed.

"I'll be right there." The lad fixed his black coat as he marched out of the dressing room.

All gazes landed at him, all necks craned as they saw him passing by. His white hair was neatly combed backward that matched his black butler suit.

"Oh gosh! Now I'm thankful I became our club president!"

"Me too! We've been blessed to see Mr. Rae wearing this!"

The girls squealed just by watching him passed by.

"Why does Mr. Rae look stunning in everything he wears?"

"I know, dude. I know. We can never surpass him."

The boys murmured with those jealous eyes following him around.

Rae paused soon as he noticed the lass standing before him. It was Ms. Grosvenor, wearing a black maid uniform with a knee-high skirt. Given her slim and voluptuous body figure, she was also the center of attention.

"You look great on that uniform, Ms. Grosvenor!" The lad greeted.

"It was nothing. I was just taking Ms. Adriano's place to serve the café."

"Nevertheless, you look cute."

"Cute? I don't think I fit into that word."

Rae was about to say something when one student called their attention.

"We're about to open. Let's do our best everyone!"

And thus, the café has been opened.

A lot of students have already arrived. Not because they wanted to eat, that's the secondary reason. But it's all because of Rae's presence. After finding out he's one of the butlers serving, a lot of girls came in that the café formed a long line outside.

"Good morning ladies, what can I get for you?" His charming smile melted every girl's heart.

"I want some caramel frappe and a cheesecake."

"Mine too, but I want a mocha."

"Two cheesecakes, one caramel frappe, and one mocha frappe. Would that be all?"

"Yes. Thank you so much."

"Mr. Rae, why are you so handsome?"

The lad chuckled awkwardly at the question, "Am I?"

The girls flushed, "Oh don't be shy!"

"No need to be that modest!"

Rae chuckled, "But beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, as they say. If I am indeed handsome in your eyes, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The two girls squealed, "Oh please! You shine too bright!"

"Oh Mr. Rae, please be careful at night, okay?"

"Ah yes, I've heard that news too."

"What news?" The lad asked.

"There's a news about handsome men found dead in dark alleys."

"True! And what's worse, they've been brutally killed. Their skin and veins have become pale and purple. How unfortunate!" One girl sighed.

"You should be careful, Mr. Rae."

The lad chuckled, "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

'I'll go check this case later.' He thought.

While serving their orders in and out, sooner or later, a tall figure in bear costume came in.

"I have delivered the flyers around the campus."

"Good work, Mr. Salem." Rae beamed.

"Hey..." Gray removed the headdress and glared at the lad, "Why do I need to wear this ridiculous costume?! I thought my job is as a Student Discipline Officer?"

Despite his scary looks, Rae kept his smile intact and didn't even faze.

"You're the only one with high stamina to roam around the campus, Mr. Salem. Besides, in this café, we're not the officers for now but the ones serving customers."

Gray grabbed his collar, "Are you fuc--"

"Nope, I'm not. And with that being said, please refrain from cursing." Rae said as if he already knows what he's going to say.

Gray was about to say more when they suddenly heard someone groaning in pain. When they turned to the other side of the room, they saw Ms. Grosvenor, holding the man's wrist and twisting it.

"Let me go, you bitch!" The man cried.

"What's going on in here?" Rae rushed towards them.

"This girl grabbed our friend's hand and hurt him!"

"Yeah, why do you have such a wild bitch around here!"

Rae narrowed his eyes and whispered to the lass, "Ms. Grosvenor, I'll take it from here. You can take a break."

And with that, she let go of his wrist and marched towards the dressing room.

"We would like to apologize for the inconvenience." Rae bowed his head.

"Yeah, you'd better be! It's such a waste she has a good face and body, but such a rude behavior!"

Upon hearing this, the lad smirked, "I see. We'll make sure it won't happen again, sir. We'll serve your order in a few minutes. In the meantime, I'll be leaving my friend here to assure your safety."

He patted Gray's shoulder and leaned to his ear, "It's time to do your job, Mr. SDO."

"Tch! I thought we're not officers today..." Gray mumbled and glared at the three customers who seem to be surprised by Rae's decision.

On the other hand, Rae walked towards the dressing room and found Ms. Grosvenor sitting on a chair.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"It wasn't a big deal." She said, "I can deal with them myself."

Rae sat beside her, "I know that. I know you're strong and independent. But as of now, we have to deal with these kinds of people in a nice way. Well, it's not that we let them take advantage of us. We just want to avoid conflicts as much as possible." He chuckled.

"I see, you're right."

"You almost got harassed, and it's not something that should be ignored. But don't worry, Gray took care of them for you." He smiled and patted her head.

At that moment, Ms. Grosvenor glanced at him. His warm and tender smile completely matches his gentle touch, caressing her head. It wasn't a big deal, yet she felt at ease and comforted.

Suddenly, one student came rushing towards the room.

"Mr. Rae, Abigail just collapsed! There's no one to take over the kitchen!"

Rae and Ms. Grosvenor exchanged glances.

"I'll take over." The lass volunteered.

The lad nodded, "I'll take Ms. Abigail to the clinic."

And with that, they immediately left the room and do their respective tasks.

Quickly, Ms. Grosvenor took the cakes to the big oven just in time that it was finally cooked. Then, she started spreading the flavors and designs like how it was. She has zero experience in baking and stuff but since she's a gifted child, she can quickly learn things or even do it in just one glance.

After that, she placed them inside the fridge.

"Ah, we're out of salad." She mumbled and quickly took the vegetables out.

With a knife in her hand, she sliced the vegetables as fast as she can.

Meanwhile, after Rae took that student to the clinic, he came back immediately.

'I'm kinda worried about how Ms. Grosvenor was doing. It's not that I doubt her, it's abou--'

His thoughts were interrupted when he took a peek inside the kitchen. She held the knife like she's going to stab someone.

'Is that how you supposed to do that? She can get hurt at any time!' He gulped.

"Ms. Grosvenor, be care--!"

When he entered the kitchen, the lass was surprised and ended up wounding her finger.

'When did he come? I didn't sense his presence at all.' The lass thought as she became wary of him.

"Ms. Grosvenor, I'm so sorry!" He said referring to her bleeding finger.

"It's nothing to be wo--!" She didn't get to finish her words when Rae suddenly grabbed her hand and placed her wounded finger on his mouth.

She was astonished at his sudden action. He was gently sucking the blood as her finger touched his soft lips. For a moment, she was dazed watching him lick her wound with his warm tongue. But more importantly, this scene before her seems familiar. As she watched him, the act of sucking her blood and his reaction reminded her of the Vampire King when he licked her wound on the hand.

Though he seems to be pleased, he was breathing heavily like he was suppressing something.

When Rae opened his eyes, he suddenly realized he was sucking her blood. And with that, he quickly moved away.

"I-I'm sorry! I'm very sorry! I-I just..." He looked away, thinking of a better excuse, "I was... doing some... f-first aid--yes! I've done the first aid on your wound."

"First aid?" Ms. Grosvenor echoed.

"Y-yes! Now it's done, please proceed to the clinic so the nurse could treat your wound!" He didn't give the lass a chance to say something when he held her shoulders, turned her around, and gently pushed her out of the café.

"You can come back if you're fine."

Everything happened so fast and the next thing she knew, she's outside of the café now.

'What was that all about?' She thought and gazed at her finger.

Much to her surprise, the wound can no longer be seen. It was as if the wound didn't happen in the first place.

'How... did this happen?'

Just then, the moment when Rae sucked her blood flashed inside her mind.

'Could it be... Mr. Celis... is a vampire?' Her expression became clouded.

On the other hand, soon as Rae asked Ms. Grosvenor to leave, he quickly rushed to the bathroom.

'W-what the hell have I done!?' He covered his face with his hands.

'Soon as I saw the blood on her finger, my hand moved on its own and I sucked it without thinking twice! I know I haven't had a proper meal of blood after my battle with Ms. Flanery, but I never thought my body would be this desperate and will respond like this!'

The lad heaved a sigh as he gazed at the mirror with his red eyes.

"I'm the worst..." He mumbled.

'From all the people, why does it have to be the huntress?'

He sighed again, "It would be over now..."

Rae was thinking his peaceful days would be over now that the huntress has found out his identity. He knows from all people that she's no ordinary hunter, she'll realize it fast enough based on his actions. How he prays she'll let this day end before she could ever attack him.

"I have to control myself from here on." He washed his face as he recalled his actions earlier.

'I admit, her blood tastes sweet. It must've been because I already got accustomed to drinking blood. That's why... I have to be extra careful.' He solemnly thought.

When he went back, Ms. Grosvenor is already doing her tasks. And much to his surprise, she didn't say a single word nor look back at him. They've managed to finish the first day of the foundation without having contact once again.

'I don't know if this can be called fortunate or not. But I shouldn't let my guard down.' Rae thought as he changed clothes in the dressing room.

***

As the sun began to set, the first day of the foundation celebration has come to an end. So is an event which can be found from a few kilometers away from the university. From a specific coliseum, a huge crowd cheered after the performance of a famous star.

"Thank you! Thank you very much, everyone!" A girl with candy pink hair bowed as she waved goodbye, walking out of the stage.

In a separate room, another batch of the crowd, falling in line can be found. They're the ones wearing the VIP IDs to meet and greet the idol who just performed earlier.

"Oh, I can't wait to shake Ciella's hand! I'm so excited!" Said one of the girls.

"Me too! I'm glad they separated the line for girls and boys." Said the other.

"Well, I heard Ciella is a feminist. And she doesn't want her fangirls to get uncomfortable with the boys that's why she requested it."

"Really? I love her even more! Not to mention she wanted to greet her fangirls first than the boys."

"True, indeed."

When it's their turn, the idol called Ciella signed their albums and posters and was delighted to have a picture with them.

"Thank you so much for attending my mini-concert. I'll look forward to your support in the future~!" She smiled brightly like an angel.

"Yes, we will!" The girls nodded as they left the room with happiness in their hearts.

"That's the last ones for the fangirls. It's time to meet the fanboys." Her manager informed.

"Alright, I'll go prepare now." Ciella stood from her seat and entered another room.

Among the crowd from the upper box seat, a young man came running towards the backstage going towards the separate room. When the guards saw him, they blocked the pathway.

"W-wait.. I'm... one of the VIPs..." He panted, showing his ID as proof.

The guards exchange glances and let the lad in.

But much to his surprise, the hall was empty.

"W-where is everybody? Am I... late?" He mumbled and sighed. He was about to go home when the manager saw him.

"Hey, you there! Are you a VIP too?"

"Ah yes... I just got here for I came in late and wanted to meet Ms. Ciella for real! Please let me!" He bowed his head.

The manager heaved a sigh, "Alright. I'll just inform Ciella." She left and after a few minutes, she came back.

"Just enter that room, and Ciella will gladly meet you."

The lad beamed, "Thank you very much!"

The manager watched the lad left as he happily marched towards the room.

"What an unfortunate soul..." She smirked and shook her head. She quickly locked the door from outside as soon as the lad entered.

Much to his surprise, the room is a bit dark. There are dim lights but the atmosphere is kinda off. Not to mention the scent lurking around that he covered his nose.

'What's that awful smell? What's going on here?' The lad thought and saw a girl standing before him.

"Hello there, I'm glad how eager my fans visit me!"

Just hearing her sweet voice, the lad recognizes it right away.

"Miss Ciella--!" He was about to go towards her when suddenly, he got tripped by something on the floor.

When he fell on the floor, it was something slippery and wet. This is where the awful smell comes from. If he looked closely, these stains on his hands are red just like...

'B-blood?!' When he looked around, he saw some bodies lying on the bloody floor with horrified faces. They're no longer moving, let alone breathing.

In such a surprise, the young lad screamed in fear and moved away.

Suddenly, he heard a giggle coming from the girl standing before him.

"Don't be like that. You should be grateful you've managed to witness a spectacular scene." She stepped forward and the lad saw the bloodstains all over her clothes and body. Most of the blood drips from her lips as her fangs show.

"M-miss Ciella..? Is that you?"

She smirked, "Bingo~ and this is how I show my love for my fanboys!" She giggled again, "But mister, you're indeed lucky. I'll show you what I do to those who interrupt my meal." Her eyes became red and cold.

Terrified, the lad ran towards the door only to realize it was already locked. His eyes wandered around the room and saw another door with a sign of 'Fire Exit'.

Ciella giggled, "Where do you think you're going, Mister?" She whispered when she suddenly came behind him.

The lad screamed and shoved her off. He ran towards the exit and he was thankful it wasn't locked. Immediately, he went out and went downstairs.

Ciella giggled, "So you like to play Hide and Seek? Fine by me~" She mumbled and followed the lad.

'How can this be?!' The lad thought as he kept on running the dark alleys.

He was so confused. For a moment, he was so happy that he would finally meet his idol. But turns out, it's such a tragedy that his pathetic life would end like this.

And as he kept on running, his legs gave in and he tripped for the second time.

"Oh, there you are~"

Chills ran down his spine as he heard that voice. That sweet voice he used to love turns out to be a terrifying sound for him.

"N-no... have mercy..." He cried as he crawled as fast as he can.

'How pathetic!' Ciella thought as she watched the poor lad crawled like he was already eating the dust and dirt.

"Alright, I'll be merciful. I'll give you ten seconds to escape. After that, there'll be no more chances." She giggled.

"Ten... Nine..."

Soon as she started counting, the lad kept on crawling as fast as he can.

"Help! Somebody help me!" He shouted even his throat runs dry.

'No one will hear you, idiot.' Ciella mocked,

"Eight... Seven..."

The lad kept on struggling as his legs have gone numb. He cried and kept on shouting to save his dear life.

"Six... Five..."

'Somebody please! Save me!!!'

"Four... Three..." Ciella prepared her sharp nails, ready to attack the poor lad anytime.

As the young man continued to crawl, he saw a pair of black boots before him. When he held his head up, he saw a man with bloody red hair standing before him.

"Two.. --!" Ciella stopped counting when he noticed the man as well.

'Who is he?! I didn't notice his presence coming here!' She clenched her chest, 'Not to mention, he's just like me. Is he going to take away my prey?'

He was doing his usual round patrols especially when he learned the news earlier. As he was standing on one building, he suddenly heard a faint cry asking for help. Quickly, he rushed to where the sound came from and found a poor man crawling away from a female vampire.

'I'm glad I'm not yet late.' He sighed in relief.

"P-please help me!" The man pulled the hem of his coat as he trembled in fear.

Rae kneeled on one knee and looked at the lad in the eyes, "Don't worry, you're safe now. Go home safely and forget everything you saw today."

His red eyes glowed and just like that, the man nodded obediently, stood up, and walked away.

"You must be the one responsible for the murders of young men around here." Rae said and seriously gazed at the female vampire before him.

She has this long black hair, pale skin with pointed ears. Her body and clothes are filled with bloodstains, which is obvious how many men she just killed earlier. Just by looking at it made his blood boil. Then again, he failed to save those lives. If he came a bit earlier, he could've spared them.

'No... there's no time for regrets, Rae.' He said to himself.

"You..." She mumbled, "Why did you let my prey get away?"

She has a sweet voice, but by the looks of it, even she's smiling, he can tell how mad she's been after he managed to save that young lad.

"That's simple..." Rae replied, "I'm here to stop and end your schemes."

She blinked, then suddenly, she giggled and laughed.

"How amusing... Let's see if you can put those words in action --!"

Suddenly, she appeared before him and swing her arm. And Rae quickly dodged her claws in time.

"Good... make sure you'll pay for what you did with your life!" Her nail color changes and turns violet as she began to attack him with her claws again.

It was so fast that no normal eyesight can keep up. He was dodging her attacks from time to time as he was looking for an opening to take her down.

Noticing this, Ciella scoffed, "What's wrong? Can't fight because I'm a woman? How pathetic!"

When she swings her arm again, Rae managed to quickly grab her wrist and threw her as hard as he could that she hit through walls.

Then, the lad noticed a small needle stuck in his hand. When he removed it, he saw his veins turning purple.

"Poison..." He mumbled.

Then, he wounded his hand and excreted the blood with poison to prevent it from spreading all over his body.

'I'm glad great grandpa taught me this. Or else I might die on poison.' He sighed in relief and glanced at the area where he threw the vampire.

"How rude of you..." She glared, "How could you do that to a lady!" Looks like she became angrier.

But Rae frowned, "I don't see any problem on that, though." He crossed his arms to his chest, "Earlier, as I keep avoiding your attacks, you think I'm underestimating you because you're a woman. Now that I fought you head-on, you're complaining and thinking I'm not respecting you? Now I'm confused!"

Ciella clenched her fist, "It's my first time meeting a man like you. How intriguing..."

Rae shrugged and scoffed, "Well, there's always a first time in everything."

Ciella held her head and laughed, "You amuse me..." She got up and brushed the dust off her dress, "Not to mention that red hair of yours, are you perhaps... that so-called Vampire King?"

"Well, that's what they called me." The lad responds.

With that, she smirked, "Is that so? Then, there's no reason for me to hold back anymore." Her eyes glowed in bright red as her violet nails grew longer and sharper.

Seeing this, Rae prepared himself by turning his blood into sharp crystals.

In a blink of an eye, Ciella attacked by throwing some poisoned needles in his direction. As he deflected them with his weapon, the lass immediately rushed towards him and continuously swung her arms. At the same speed, Rae blocked and dodged her attacks. When her nails hit the walls, he noticed how it slowly crumbled and destroyed to pieces.

'Looks like her poison became stronger! I have to be more careful and not get hit by those.' He thought.

She suddenly jumped high and her nails landed on his red crystals. The purple color spreads throughout his weapon and slowly shattered into pieces. Ciella grinned victoriously and attacked again. Just in time, Rae jumped high and stepped on the walls and lamp posts to climb up. Then he spreads his wings and flew in mid-air.

The lass followed him at such speed as she jumped high towards him. Rae quickly bit his thumb and swung his arm before Ciella could ever reach him. His small amount of blood turned to red strings that cut off her arm in a blink of an eye.

Everything happened so fast that she didn't get to dodge his attack and ended up losing an arm. With that, Ciella fell at the top of a building as she groaned in pain. Blood kept spilling from her arm as it continued to spread over the ground.

"My... arm... It hurts!" She cried.

Rae landed and walked towards her, "This should be enough to stop you. If you surrender now, I'll spare your life and take you to a proper trial for your sins."

Upon hearing this, the lass just giggled, "Just kill me, Vampire King... You shouldn't take pity on a murderer like me..."

"You're right..." Rae seriously said, "But, as much as possible, I want to avoid this. We shouldn't be fighting like this and instead, we should work together. The vampire race isn't that plenty anymore, we shouldn't be doing something that would endanger us more."

'What the heck is he saying?' Ciella thought, 'How can enemies work together? His goals are nothing but ideals, such as fleeting dreams. How naive... How absurd!'

"Let's stop fighting, please surrender." Rae offered his hand to her.

The lass stared at it for a moment as if thinking.

Slowly, she reached his hand and took it.

"You are... nothing like the rumors say..."

The lad chuckled, "Let me guess, they're saying I'm cold-hearted and merciless, right?" He gently pulled the lass to stand.

Ciella chuckled, "That's right. Which makes it easier for me... to take you down!" An evil grin slowly drawn on her lips as it turned purple.

All of a sudden, Rae was frozen in his place. He can't move a single muscle! As his pupils landed on his hand, he noticed the small needle stuck on his skin. This is the reason why he's paralyzed right now.

'No! I let my guard down!' He thought in gritted teeth.

Then, the lass giggled, "I'll make sure you'll die slowly and painfully, Vampire King." She held his cheek as she slowly leaned closer.

Soon, she placed her lips on his. It was warm and her lips are soft. But there's a stingy feeling with it as her kisses grow deeper and longer. It was as if his strength was being drained for some reason. And before he could lose all his power, he forcefully moved his arms and shoved her.

After that, he gasped for air as he felt a pang of pain in his head. He fell on his knees as he felt like his head being split in half.

Ciella laughed and licked her lips, "This is one of my strongest poison, Vampire King. You're so lucky to have a good taste of it."

The lad coughed vigorously, "W-why...?" He drooled from the pain he's feeling inside.

"Why?" Ciella tilted her head to the side, and suddenly, she grabbed his neck.

"Because it's your fault from the beginning. Your very existence, that is." She grinned devilishly and leaned to his ear, "So, will you die for me, please?"

And with that, she swung her arm and threw him from the top of the building.

His visions started to get blurry as he fell. He has no strength to fly using his wings as the poison started to spread all over his system. His back landed on a car and destroyed it in such an impact from the fall. Slowly, he moved his body as it fell on the ground this time.

Rae was panting and breathing heavily as he crawled on the ground.

His heart was beating furiously.

Beats of sweat started to come out and flow on his skin. Everything around him is spinning as he felt the throbbing pain in his head.

He was gasping for air.

Since the poison spreads inside his body, his throat has become dry and he was catching his breath. He can't even ask for help. No voice ever comes out of his mouth.

All he can do for now is to crawl slowly on the ground, praying that he'll make it through alive.

Seems like the heavens have heard his prayer despite being a half-monster. Even his vision has become blurry, he saw a pair of legs standing before him. With weak and trembling hands, he reached for that person.

'Help... me...' He wanted to say but failed to do so.

He was slowly losing consciousness as well. He wasn't able to see that person's face. But all he knows, the stranger calls his name before he closed his eyes.

"Rae... RAE!!!"

***

Rin stretched her arms in the air as she felt relieved and satisfied.

"That was a delicious meal!" She cheerfully said, "Where did you get that blood wine, Damien?"

He chuckled, "It's my family's business way back then. I'm glad you liked it."

"Are you kidding? That was the best blood wine I've ever tasted! Well, the first one too."

Damien sighed, "Just as I thought."

"We should share this with the Young Master when he returns." Rin took the bottle of wine.

"You're right. I bet he'll lo--!"

He didn't get to finish what he's going to say when they suddenly felt someone else's presence outside. Then, a huge knock can be heard from the door that can make your heart leaped.

"Rin, get ready." Damien glared at the door.

"You got it!" Rin raised her hands, ready to command the plants anytime.

With another loud knock, the door shook.

"Open the damn door! Rae's in trouble!" The voice said and in just a kick, the stranger managed to break in.

From the doorway, a tall lad with gray hair came forward. He was carrying a body on his back. When Damien and Rin recognize him, they quickly rushed towards the lad.

"Young Master!"

His skin looks paler like a corpse. There are purple veins spreading all over his unconscious body.

"What happened to him!?"

"I saw him fell from above. I think he's been poisoned." The tall lad explained.

"Quick, place him on the couch!" Damien said and the lad did so.

Rin quickly took a basin of water and a clean cloth.

"Do you have any antidote?" Damien asked.

"Yes, I'll go get them all." Rin nodded and didn't spare a single second to idle.

When she came back, Damien quickly took the syringe and pour out the antidote while Rin was gently wiping off the sweat from Rae's forehead. He injected the antidote, but nothing happens.

"Nothing changes." The lad frowned.

"The poison must've been stronger than I thought..." Damien mumbled as he was panicking inside.

"I made stronger antidotes. Don't hesitate to use them all." Rin said as she somewhat feels agitated.

'Oh Young Master, please don't die!' She firmly held his hand.

And while Damien was preparing for the second shot, their faint voices, fast heartbeats, and panicking thoughts can all be heard by Rae as he was lying on the couch. He may be looked unconscious, but his mind is awake and drifting somewhere from the past.

This unfortunate event has happened to him before. But it's not worse as it is.

He remembered the same pain inside; his throbbing head, fast heartbeats, feeling nauseous.

He stretched his hand, asking for help. He was reaching for the person before him, the one with long red hair. And just like his hair, his pupils glowed in red as they coldly gaze at him.

"You foolish child..." He said, "If you wanted to get stronger, take the poison out yourself."

Rae panted, "B-but... I don't know... how..."

"Think, you fool!" He raised his voice, "It's like removing solid dirt on water. Use that gift of yours or I won't accept you as my great-grandchild!"

'I'm sorry, great-grandpa!'

Rae gasped as he shot his eyes open. Damien and Rin were surprised.

"Young Master!" They called.

"The poison..." He mumbled, "...hasn't fully removed yet..." He panted.

"I have already injected three antidotes. But the poison is too strong!" Damien said.

"Give me all of it... those antidotes... And I will do my part..." Rae panted.

"But Young Master, that's too much!" Rin protested.

"We have to try! I can't... afford to die! I refuse to die like this..." Rae firmly said which made these two vampires understand and follow his lead.

With that, Damien and Rin injected the remaining antidotes inside his system as Rae closed his eyes before he inflicted a wound on himself. He took a deep breath raised his other hand, moving it as if slowly pulling something out.

The lad standing before them, Gray noticed how a purple liquid slowly oozing out of the wound.

'That's the poison!'

Rae groaned as he kept on pulling, using his strength to remove the poison out of his body. His body was slowly getting numb from the shots he received. But before it happens all over his body parts, he has to remove the poison in time.

Beads of sweat kept falling from his forehead as he kept on pulling. And soon enough, in a strong pull, he managed to remove the purple liquid out of his body. The poison was then placed on the basin nearby.

Relief and numbness are all he can feel after that. At least, he can finally close his eyes in peace, without worrying about the pain inside his body.

After that, they took his body inside his room to rest. And then, they send off the lad who helped them.

"Thank you for bringing the Young Master to us. One second late or we might lose him. We can't thank you enough." Damien bowed his head.

"I just did what I thought was right." Gray said, "Besides, Rae... the president, is someone who inspired me... I can't let him die like that."

"Someday... we'll repay your kindness." Damien insisted.

"Tch! Whatever. I said it's nothing." The tall lad said before he left.

Then, Damien returned inside the house. As he fixed the door, he heaved a heavy sigh.

'How can this be? We are the ones who should be protecting the Young Master and yet...'

The scene of Rae's poisoned body flashed inside his mind.

'We almost lost him!' He clenched his fist.

He was indeed mad at himself for not being able to do much help in saving him. Let alone to protect Rae from the pain and harm.

'I know he's not the same teenage boy anymore... But the Young Master is too nice for his own good that he ended up being in danger.'

He sat on the couch and sighed again, "Cal, what are you going to do in this state? Astrid, please give me the strength to protect him more this time..." He mumbled as his gaze landed on the basin where the poison was placed.

As he stared at it, an idea suddenly came to him.

'This is the poison that almost killed the Young Master. I have to study it and find a cure on it.' He thought and brought the basin on the room underground.

'I'm sure that the vampire is still alive and looking for Rae. I have to find a weakness in his poison so that Young Master can defeat him next time.' He added.

"But first, let's test how strong this poison really is." He mumbled as he took a portion of it inside a syringe.

Then, he glanced at the humans inside the capsule as he came up with another idea.

"These past few days, I've managed to gather some parasites through these humans' blood. At least, I could try this poison on." He said and took one blood sample and mixed the poison with it.

After a few seconds, he checked the blood on a microscope and noticed the parasites were killed in a short span of time.

"This is..! How can this be?" He mumbled and checked again, only to find out the same result.

To convince himself more, he tried it out on other blood samples containing parasites. And all of them died on the same poison.

"I hate to admit... This poison is amazing..." Damien mumbled as he brushed off his hair.

"I've tried other attempts to eliminate the parasites but none of them succeed. Except for this poison."

As he stared at the results, an idea suddenly came to him like a lightning strike. But that thought alone made him gulped.

"Does that mean... we need that vampire's help?"